Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland steps down

Unfiltered. A little offensive. But addictive, and a hard habit to kick, unless you go cold turkey.

The 50-year baseball veteran knew for the majority of this season that it might be time to pack it in, though, and turn the Detroit Tigers over to a younger voice.

After eight years at the helm, Leyland made that announcement Monday morning at a news conference at Comerica Park.

“It’s time to step down,” said the soon-to-be 69-year-old. “I felt like it was getting a little rough. The fuel was getting a little low.”

After contemplating the move as far back as June, he informed his boss, president and general manager Dave Dombrowski on Sept. 7 that he’d not be returning. Dombrowksi told only owner Mike Ilitch before the two men informed the team on the flight back from Boston after Saturday’s season-ending Game 6 loss in the American League Championship Series.

Dombrowski said the franchise’s next manager would have big shoes to fill, and that interviews would begin soon.

“This last eight years have been a very memorable time for the organization with Jim’s leadership,” Dombrowski said, giving Leyland a heartfelt thanks. “He will be missed.”

He won’t be gone, though, as Leyland said he’d accept a yet-to-be named position with the club.

“It’s not goodbye, because I’ll remain in the organization,” Leyland said in his written release, addressing fans. “And from the bottom of my heart, thank you for having me.”

Leyland led the Detroit Tigers to some of the best times in franchise history, including three straight playoff appearances, and two trips to the World Series.

“I apologize for not getting you all the way. I do. But I have no regrets,” Leyland said. “I think I’ve still got a chance to get a World Series ring here. Somebody’s going to inherit a great team.”

The temptation to return to a team still primed to make a run at the organization’s first World Series in 29 years would have been for the wrong reasons, Leyland said.

“I’m not going to take a paycheck, unless I feel like I got fuel to do the job,” he said. “I’ve never taken a paycheck I didn’t feel I earned.”

The fuel started to run low midseason for Leyland, who’d been on year-to-year contracts for this very reason, enabling him to walk away unencumbered at the conclusion of a season.

He did just that after the Tigers were ousted on Saturday, telling his players.

“I had a couple reactions that were pretty touching ... Justin Verlander was a special one, I think in part because he’s been here the whole eight years. Some of the times, seemed like he didn’t even like me. He told me he loved me,” Leyland said with a catch in his voice. “He was touched. That touched me.”

That wasn’t the only public endorsement for Leyland, who was always a player’s manager.

“I’m honored to have played for Jim Leyland, a legend,” said Torii Hunter, who was on hand for Monday’s announcement. “You’re talking about one of the greatest managers to ever manage this game.”

“Thank you, Skip! It was a privilege and a blessing to be a tiger under your leadership!” Doug Fister tweeted.

“He was a great manager and a great person. He gave me an opportunity five years ago, and I’ll never forget that,” Alex Avila told MLive’s Chris Iott via text. “It was an HONOR to play for him. I will miss him.”

“It’s been a pleasure getting to play for Skip. Thanks for giving me a chance,” Drew Smyly tweeted. “I’ll never forget my first manager!”

The decision already made, that didn’t make the postseason failure any easier to take. Leyland — who intentionally held off on his announcement so as not to take anything away from the Red Sox’s win Saturday — did not want to downplay Boston’s achievement, but he did feel the Tigers missed an opportunity.

“I do believe we let one get away,” he said. “This is one that really hurts.”

Leyland led the Tigers for eight seasons, compiling a record of 700-597, and won two American League pennants. He was one of just three managers, joining Sparky Anderson (1,331 wins) and Hughie Jennings (1,131) to register 700 or more wins with the Tigers.

Leyland was the only the second manager, along with Jennings, to lead the franchise to three straight postseason appearances.

He retires as the 15th winningest manager in MLB history (1,769), and was the winningest active manager at the time of his retirement.

“After this press conference, I’m going to be an official member of the Skipper’s Rippers club,” Leyland joked. “I hope in the next two or three years that I get a chance to throw out the first pitch at Comerica Park.